HyperSizer Published Paper

"The HyperSizing Method for Structures" (12 pages)

Presented at the NAFEMS World Congress '99, Newport, Rhode Island, April 25-28, 1999

Authors:

Craig Collier, Phil Yarrington, and Mark Pickenheim

Abstract:

A practical structural optimization system specifically designed
for effective engineering solutions is presented. The system, called
HyperSizer™, is coupled with finite element analysis (FEA). The
system is based primarily on accurate engineering analyses and
secondarily on discrete optimization. Its underlying method is a
departure from typical finite element design sensitivity and
optimization that emphasize numeric optimizers, and model based
user defined constraints on strength and stability failure analyses.
HyperSizer's built-in detailed analysis capabilities, and its ease of
use makes it suitable as a tool for performing automated structural
analyses of any general structure. Indeed, this is the fundamental
premise of the HyperSizing method. HyperSizer's ability to predict
structural failure will be first presented, and then the benefits of
coupling the closed form analytical capabilities with those provided
with FEA. The example application is a space launch vehicle, which
containing 7 assemblies, 21 optimization groups, and 203 structural
components. It demonstrates how an engineer is able to provide
‘real-world’ expertise in the optimization process by interacting with
HyperSizer for designs on the fly.